Post Office News February 2023

King Charles III banknotes unveiled
The Bank of England unveiled the design of the King Charles III banknotes in December 2022. The King’s portrait will appear on all four of polymer banknotes
(£5, £10, £20 and £50). The rest of the design on the banknotes will remain the same. The King’s image will appear on the front of the banknotes, as well as in the
see-through security window.

When will we see a King Charles III banknote?
The new banknotes are expected to enter circulation by mid-2024.

What will happen to the Queen Elizabeth II banknotes?
You will still be able to use polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Banknotes featuring Queen Elizabeth II and the King will be in circulation at the same time.

The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes. This approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change.

Non Bar-Coded Stamps
Royal Mail had asked customers to use any non-barcoded stamps by 31 January 2023. If customers were not able to use them by 31 January 2023, they can be swapped out for barcoded stamps via Royal Mail’s Swap Out Scheme. Forms for this are available in your post office. There is currently no end date to this scheme.

From 31 January 2023 there will be a six-month grace period up to 31 July 2023 and during this time, any items with a non-barcoded stamp(s) will still be delivered and no surcharges will be incurred. Customers presenting items with non-barcoded stamps from 1 August 2023: such items would then be subject to surcharge.

Maureen Flood – Sub Post Mistress

Shop News February 2023

How nice that the days are lengthening again, perhaps encouraging us all to venture out earlier and later. So let me remind you of our Shop opening hours:-

Monday to Friday 0830 to 1730
Saturday 0830 to 1230
Sunday 0900 to 1200

St Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday 14th February. You can get your card(s) from the Shop, together with a suitable gift – a Plant or Bulb pot, a selection of Chocolates or
many other treats.

Pancake Day – Shrove Tuesday
This year Pancake Day is on Tuesday 21st February. All the ingredients required are available in the Shop – Flour, Eggs, Milk and, for the traditionalists, Lemon juice
and Sugar.

Medicines
The Shop stocks a small selection of medicines. With coughs and cold proliferating widely this Winter there are things on the shelf to aid your recovery.

Pizza Night
Take advantage of our ever popular Pizza night.
This month’s will be on FRIDAY 11th February.
So, if you are having a pizza party or just wanting a quiet night in without having to cook:
Choose your preferred topping(s). Order early so as to get your preferred time for collection. We do not want you to be disappointed.

Elizabeth Howard – Shop Volunteer & Committee Member